How about we put those things away?

This evening (and every Wednesday), Folly Beach has a free movie night in front of Tides Hotel. Very nice, right? While on vacation, we’re actually able to watch the movie from our hotel balcony, which is even more nice. But while sitting and watching I notice something, does anyone else notice it?

So, at this point, you’re probably wondering what those things circled in red are. But, oh how so obvious it is this day and age.

They are cellphones. Yep. Cell phones. From the top of my balcony, I can count about fifteen cellphones out, and I’m sure there are plenty more that my crappy quality can’t catch.

But what amazes me most is this: this is a beach! This is vacation. This is supposedly relaxing. This is supposed to be family time, but instead of seeing wholesome families enjoying a free movie night on the beach, I see that technology has taken over.

As a teenager who couldn’t live without her phone, I know that I am also very guilty of this, but it is definitely a habit that I’m trying to break.

To see phones out in moments like these, I know that we are missing out on so much that life has to offer, only to turn our heads toward a screen. Instead of having conversations at dinner, or laughing with our friends during a movie, we are consumed by this small handheld that seems to be, what? More entertaining?

I don’t mean to embarrass anyone of this seemingly social norm these days. I, too, am extremely guilty. To me, it’s very sad and I have tried to put the phone away during the moments I know I may cherish. As I recently moved away for college, I know how important time with family is, and in my opinion, I don’t want to take away those sacred moments to play candy crush, or answer a text, or snap a “selfie.”

What do you think? At dinner, at movie nights, on long road trips, on the beach, by the pool, out in the wilderness, at a cafe, at the mall, how about we put those things away?